1
|
Wirth M, Gálvez RI, Jochum J, Strauss R, Kristensen K, Stich A, Stegemann M, Stahl P, Puchner KP, Strasen J, Parisi S, Braasch T, Bender M, Hörning A, Hanke M, Störk S, Jacobs T, Pritsch M, Zoller T. Knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and serological status related to Chagas disease among Latin American migrants in Germany: A cross-sectional study in six German cities. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 12:1047281. [PMID: 36760233 PMCID: PMC9905718 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1047281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about knowledge, attitudes and behaviors concerning Chagas disease (CD) among Latin American migrants in Germany to inform public health decision making. Methods A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted between March 2014 and October 2019 among Latin American migrants in six cities in Germany to obtain information on migration history, socioeconomic and insurance status, knowledge about CD, potential risk factors for Trypanosoma cruzi infection, and willingness to donate blood or organs. Results 168 participants completed the questionnaire. The four countries with the highest proportion of participants contributing to the study population were Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Ecuador. Before migrating to Europe, the majority of the study population resided in an urban setting in houses made of stone or concrete, had higher academic education and was integrated into the German healthcare and healthcare insurance system. The majority of all study participants were also willing to donate blood and organs and a quarter of them had donated blood previously. However, many participants lacked basic knowledge about symptoms and modes of transmission of Chagas disease. One out of 56 serologic tests (1.8%) performed was positive. The seropositive female participant born in Argentina had a negative PCR test and no signs of cardiac or other organ involvement. Conclusions The study population does not reflect the population structure at risk for T. cruzi infection in endemic countries. Most participants had a low risk profile for infection with T. cruzi. Although the sample size was small and sampling was not representative of all persons at risk in Germany, the seroprevalence found was similar to studies previously conducted in Europe. As no systematic screening for T. cruzi in Latin American blood and organ donors as well as in women of child-bearing age of Latin American origin is implemented in Germany, a risk of occasional transmission of T. cruzi remains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margit Wirth
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Missioklinik, Klinikum Würzburg Mitte, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rosa Isela Gálvez
- Protozoa Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Jochum
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany,I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ricardo Strauss
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Department, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kaja Kristensen
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Department, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany,Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
| | - August Stich
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Missioklinik, Klinikum Würzburg Mitte, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Stegemann
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Stahl
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Gießen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Karl Philipp Puchner
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Medicine and Health Services Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Jörn Strasen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Missioklinik, Klinikum Würzburg Mitte, Würzburg, Germany,Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Parisi
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Trixi Braasch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marion Bender
- Medical Department of the worldwide air ambulance Unicair GmbH, Idstein, Germany,Department of Occupational Medicine, B.A.D, Health Center, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Anna Hörning
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Monika Hanke
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany,Department of Clinical Research & Epidemiology, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Störk
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany,Department of Clinical Research & Epidemiology, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Jacobs
- Protozoa Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Pritsch
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Zoller
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: Thomas Zoller,
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Parra-Henao G, Garzón-Jiménez SP, Bernal-Rosas Y, Olivera MJ, Salgado M, Torres-García OA. Risk factors for triatominae infestation in a municipality of Colombia. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2021; 8:20499361211030068. [PMID: 34290865 PMCID: PMC8274114 DOI: 10.1177/20499361211030068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying risk factors for Triatominae infestation is essential for the development of vector control interventions. METHODS To determine the intra- and peridomiciliary risk factors associated with triatomine infestation, a cross-sectional analytical study was carried out with random cluster sampling in two stages, which included the identification of risk factors by survey and direct observation, as well as the search and capture of triatomines. The detection of trypanosomes in triatomines was carried out by observing the rectal content and then by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS In 21 of the 207 houses inspected, 13 specimens of R. colombiensis and 19 specimens of P. geniculatus were found. Entomological indices included: dispersion 36%, infestation 10%, infection 65%, colonization 4.7%, density 15%, and concentration 152%. An association was found between the presence of Triatominae and the existence of branches and fissures in the floors, as well as with the presence of accumulated objects and with knowledge about Chagas disease. The risk of having triatomines in urban homes is 5.7 times higher than the risk in rural areas [confidence interval (CI) 0.508-67.567]; 6.6 times in houses with cracked soil (CI 0.555-81.994), 6 times in houses located near caneys (CI 0.820-44.781), and 6.16 times with accumulated objects (CI 1.542-39.238). CONCLUSION Chagas disease is a complex problem that requires control based on the vector's elimination or surveillance, which implies identifying species and their distribution, generating alerts, knowledge, and awareness in the population. It is necessary to intensify surveillance activities for the event, especially in changing aspects of Chagas diseases' transmission dynamics, such as urbanization and the type of housing associated with the vector's presence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Parra-Henao
- Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
- Centro de Investigación en Salud para el Trópico, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
| | - Sandra P. Garzón-Jiménez
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Sede Circunvalar - Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Yuly Bernal-Rosas
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Sede Circunvalar - Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mario J. Olivera
- Grupo de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marlon Salgado
- Alcaldía Municipal de La Mesa – La Mesa, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Orlando A. Torres-García
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Sede Circunvalar - Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Heterogeneity of Trypanosoma cruzi infection rates in vectors and animal reservoirs in Colombia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:308. [PMID: 31221188 PMCID: PMC6585012 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3541-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The heterogeneity of Trypanosoma cruzi infection rates among triatomines insects and animal reservoirs has been studied in independent studies, but little information has been systematised to allow pooled and comparative estimates. Unravelling the main patterns of this heterogeneity could contribute to a further understanding of T. cruzi transmission in Colombia. Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Medline, LILACS, Embase, Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar and secondary sources with no filters of language or time and until April 2018. Based on selection criteria, all relevant studies reporting T. cruzi infection rates in reservoirs or triatomines were chosen. For pooled analyses, a random effects model for binomial distribution was used. Heterogeneity among studies is reported as I2. Subgroup analyses included: taxonomic classification, ecotope and diagnostic methods. Publication bias and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results Overall, 39 studies reporting infection rates in Colombia were found (22 for potential reservoirs and 28 for triatomine insects) for a total sample of 22,838 potential animals and 11,307 triatomines evaluated for T. cruzi infection. We have found evidence of 38/71 different animal species as potential T. cruzi reservoirs and 14/18 species as triatomine vectors for T. cruzi. Among animals, the species with the highest pooled prevalence were opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) with 48.0% (95% CI: 26–71%; I2 = 88%, τ2 = 0.07, P < 0.01) and domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) with 22.0% (95% CI: 4–48%; I2 = 96%, τ2 = 0.01, P < 0.01). Among triatomines, the highest prevalence was found for Triatoma maculata in the peridomestic ecotope (68.0%, 95% CI: 62–74%; I2 = 0%, τ2 = 0, P < 0.0001), followed by Rhodnius prolixus (62.0%, 95% CI: 38–84%; I2 = 95%, τ2 = 0.05, P < 0.01) and Rhodnius pallescens (54.0%, 95% CI: 37–71%; I2 = 86%, τ2 = 0.035, P < 0.01) in the sylvatic ecotope. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first systematic and quantitative analyses of triatomine insects and potential animal reservoirs for T. cruzi infection in Colombia. The results highlight a marked heterogeneity between species and provide initial estimates of infection rates heterogeneity. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3541-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
4
|
Nieto-Sanchez C, Bates BR, Guerrero D, Jimenez S, Baus EG, Peeters Grietens K, Grijalva MJ. Home improvement and system-based health promotion for sustainable prevention of Chagas disease: A qualitative study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007472. [PMID: 31194754 PMCID: PMC6592574 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human transmission of Chagas disease (CD) most commonly occurs in domiciliary spaces where triatomines remain hidden to feed on blood sources during inhabitants’ sleep. Similar to other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), sustainable control of CD requires attention to the structural conditions of life of populations at risk, in this case, the conditions of their living environments. Considering socio-cultural and political dynamics involved in dwellings’ construction, this study aimed to explore social factors that contribute or limit sustainability of CD’s prevention models focused on home improvement. Methods and main findings Using Healthy Homes for Healthy Living (HHHL)—a health promotion strategy focused on improvement of living environments and system-based health promotion—as a reference, a qualitative study was conducted. Research participants were selected from three rural communities of a CD endemic region in southern Ecuador involved in HHHL’s refurbishment and reconstruction interventions between 2013 and 2016. Folowing an ethnographic approach, data were collected through interviews, participant observation, informal conversations and document analysis. Our results indicate that the HHHL model addressed risk factors for CD at the household level, while simultaneously promoting wellbeing at emotional, economic and social levels in local communities. We argue that sustainability of the CD prevention model proposed by HHHL is enhanced by the confluence of three factors: systemic improvement of families’ quality of life, perceived usefulness of control measures, and flexibility to adapt to emerging dynamics of the context. Conclusion HHHL’s proposed home improvement, facilitated through system-based rather than disease specific health promotion processes, enhances agency in populations at risk and facilitates community partnerships forged around CD prevention. Although an independent analysis of cost-effectiveness is recommended, structural poverty experienced by local families is still the most important factor to consider when evaluating the sustainability and scalability of this model. Chagas disease (CD) is transmitted by triatomine insects, vectors of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Triatomines are commonly found in precariously constructed homes where they remain hidden in cracks and crevices during the day and feed on blood sources at night. Due to this association between living environments and disease, multiple control programs have implemented some form of home improvement as a CD preventive measure. Using Healthy Homes for Healthy Living (HHHL)—a strategy focused on home improvement and health promotion activities conducted through community partnerships—as reference, this study was designed to explore factors affecting sustainability of such models of disease control. Research participants were selected from families that have participated in construction projects implemented by HHHL between 2013 and 2016 in three rural communities of southern Ecuador. Following qualitative methodological approaches, data were collected through interviews, participant observation, informal conversations and document analysis. Our results indicate that home improvement, when conducted under systemic approaches to disease prevention, can lead to a comprehensive idea of health expressed as individual physical protection, as well as a emotional, economic, and social wellbeing at household and community levels. Sustainability of this intervention is linked to an increased sense of agency around disease prevention in local families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Nieto-Sanchez
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, United States of America
- Medical Anthropology Unit, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Benjamin R. Bates
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, United States of America
- School of Communication Studies, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Darwin Guerrero
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Sylvia Jimenez
- Facultad de Arquitectura, Arte y Diseño, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Esteban G. Baus
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Koen Peeters Grietens
- Medical Anthropology Unit, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mario J. Grijalva
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Salm A, Gertsch J. Cultural perception of triatomine bugs and Chagas disease in Bolivia: a cross-sectional field study. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:291. [PMID: 31182163 PMCID: PMC6558697 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3546-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease remains a major public health risk in Bolivia, particularly among rural indigenous communities. Here we studied the cultural perception of the triatomine vectors and Chagas disease among selected rural and urban ethnic groups from different socio-economic and geographical milieus. We focused on the indigenous communities in the Bolivian Chaco where the disease is hyperendemic. Methods A cross-sectional study using field observations and structured interviews was carried out among 480 informants in five different regions of Bolivia. Additional semi-structured interviews were conducted. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the correlation of socio-economic variables and indigenous Chagas disease knowledge systems. A total of 170 domestic Triatoma infestans vectors were collected and infection with Trypanosoma cruzi was analyzed by real-time PCR. Results Triatomine bugs were associated with Chagas disease in 70.2% (n = 480) of the responses (48.0% Ayoreo, 87.5% Chiquitano, 83.9% Guaraní, 72.2% Quechua, 46.1% La Paz citizens and 67.7% Santa Cruz citizens). Generally, indigenous informants have been educated on the association between triatomine bugs and Chagas disease by institutional anti-Chagas disease campaigns. While communities were largely aware of the vectors as a principal mode of disease transmission, rather unexpectedly, health campaigns had little influence on their prevention practices, apparently due to cultural constraints. Overall, 71.9% of the collected domestic vectors in the Chaco region were infected with T. cruzi, matching the high infection rates in the indigenous communities. Conclusions Among the Guaraní, Ayoreo and Quechua communities, the groups living in traditional houses have not integrated the scientific knowledge about Chagas disease transmission into their daily hygiene and continue to cohabit with T. infestans vectors hyperinfected with T. cruzi. An effective translation of Western disease concepts into traditional preventive measures is missing because asymptomatic infections are not generally perceived as threat by the communities. New participatory approaches involving existing ethnomedical knowledge systems could be a successful strategy in the control of T. cruzi infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Salm
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rodriguez IG, Loaiza JR. American trypanosomiasis, or Chagas disease, in Panama: a chronological synopsis of ecological and epidemiological research. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:459. [PMID: 29017584 PMCID: PMC5634828 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2380-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
American trypanosomiasis, or Chagas disease, is a growing public health problem in Panama, and further forest degradation due to human population growth is expected to worsen the situation. Most people infected with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi are silently ill, and their life expectancy is severely compromised, which contributes to further deterioration of living conditions in endemic regions. Here, we review the outcomes of nearly 100 years of ecological and epidemiological investigation about Chagas disease in Panama, in an attempt to highlight progress, identify needs, and re-orient future efforts. Rhodnius pallescens and Triatoma dimidiata are both primary vectors of T. cruzi in Panama, but R. pallescens seems more efficient in human-altered forest ecosystems due to a greater degree of association with Attalea butyracea. In contrast, T. dimidiata transmits T. cruzi efficiently under more sylvatic conditions (e.g. settlements inside old-growth or secondary forest patches), where its populations reach considerable numbers irrespective of the absence of A. butyracea. A trend of increasing forest degradation, suburbanization, and development of tourism in Panama favoring the establishment of A. butyracea and other palm tree species (Acrocomia sp.) suggests that a colonist species like R. pallescens will continue to play a more prominent role in the transmission of T. cruzi than a forest specialist like T. dimidiata. However, studies about the taxonomic status and ecology of these vectors are still needed in Panama to address their transmission potential fully. The implementation of an active surveillance system and education programs could greatly minimize the risk of Chagas disease transmission in Panama, preventing fatal infections in children from endemic areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Indra G Rodriguez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas & Servicios de Alta Tecnología, Ciudad del Saber, República de Panamá.,Programa Centroamericano de Maestría en Entomología, Universidad de Panamá, Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Jose R Loaiza
- Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas & Servicios de Alta Tecnología, Ciudad del Saber, República de Panamá. .,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa Ancón, Republic of Panama. .,Programa Centroamericano de Maestría en Entomología, Universidad de Panamá, Panamá, República de Panamá.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bermúdez SE, Gottdenker N, Krishnvajhala A, Fox A, Wilder HK, González K, Smith D, López M, Perea M, Rigg C, Montilla S, Calzada JE, Saldaña A, Caballero CM, Lopez JE. Synanthropic Mammals as Potential Hosts of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Panama. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169047. [PMID: 28060928 PMCID: PMC5218486 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Synanthropic wild mammals can be important hosts for many vector-borne zoonotic pathogens. The aim of this study was determine the exposure of synanthropic mammals to two types of tick-borne pathogens in Panama, spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) and Borrelia relapsing fever (RF) spirochetes. One hundred and thirty-one wild mammals were evaluated, including two gray foxes, two crab-eating foxes (from zoos), four coyotes, 62 opossum and 63 spiny rats captured close to rural towns. To evaluate exposure to SFGR, serum samples from the animals were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using Rickettsia rickettsii and Candidatus Rickettsia amblyommii antigen. Immunoblotting was performed using Borrelia turicatae protein lysates and rGlpQ, to assess infection caused by RF spirochetes. One coyote (25%) and 27 (43%) opossums showed seroreactivity to SFGR. Of these opossums, 11 were seroreactive to C. R. amblyommii. Serological reactivity was not detected to B. turicatae in mammal samples. These findings may reflect a potential role of both mammals in the ecology of tick-borne pathogens in Panama.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio E. Bermúdez
- Departamento de Investigación en Entomología Médica, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | - Nicole Gottdenker
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Aparna Krishnvajhala
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Amy Fox
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Hannah K. Wilder
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kadir González
- Departamento de Investigación en Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | | | | | - Milixa Perea
- Departamento de Investigación en Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | - Chystrie Rigg
- Departamento de Investigación en Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | - Santiago Montilla
- Departamento de Investigación en Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | - José E. Calzada
- Departamento de Investigación en Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | - Azael Saldaña
- Departamento de Investigación en Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | | | - Job E. Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hernández C, Salazar C, Brochero H, Teherán A, Buitrago LS, Vera M, Soto H, Florez-Rivadeneira Z, Ardila S, Parra-Henao G, Ramírez JD. Untangling the transmission dynamics of primary and secondary vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi in Colombia: parasite infection, feeding sources and discrete typing units. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:620. [PMID: 27903288 PMCID: PMC5131512 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1907-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease. Due to its genetic diversity has been classified into six Discrete Typing Units (DTUs) in association with transmission cycles. In Colombia, natural T. cruzi infection has been detected in 15 triatomine species. There is scarce information regarding the infection rates, DTUs and feeding preferences of secondary vectors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine T. cruzi infection rates, parasite DTU, ecotopes, insect stages, geographical location and bug feeding preferences across six different triatomine species. METHODS A total of 245 insects were collected in seven departments of Colombia. We conducted molecular detection and genotyping of T. cruzi with subsequent identification of food sources. The frequency of infection, DTUs, TcI genotypes and feeding sources were plotted across the six species studied. A logistic regression model risk was estimated with insects positive for T. cruzi according to demographic and eco-epidemiological characteristics. RESULTS We collected 85 specimens of Panstrongylus geniculatus, 77 Rhodnius prolixus, 37 R. pallescens, 34 Triatoma maculata, 8 R. pictipes and 4 T. dimidiata. The overall T. cruzi infection rate was 61.2% and presented statistical associations with the departments Meta (OR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.69-4.17) and Guajira (OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.16-3.94); peridomestic ecotope (OR: 2.52: 95% CI: 1.62-3.93); the vector species P. geniculatus (OR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.51-3.82) and T. maculata (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.02-4.29); females (OR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.39-3.04) and feeding on opossum (OR: 3.15; 95% CI: 1.85-11.69) and human blood (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.07-2.24). Regarding the DTUs, we observed TcI (67.3%), TcII (6.7%), TcIII (8.7%), TcIV (4.0%) and TcV (6.0%). Across the samples typed as TcI, we detected TcIDom (19%) and sylvatic TcI (75%). The frequencies of feeding sources were 59.4% (human blood); 11.2% (hen); 9.6% (bat); 5.6% (opossum); 5.1% (mouse); 4.1% (dog); 3.0% (rodent); 1.0% (armadillo); and 1.0% (cow). CONCLUSIONS New scenarios of T. cruzi transmission caused by secondary and sylvatic vectors are considered. The findings of sylvatic DTUs from bugs collected in domestic and peridomestic ecotopes confirms the emerging transmission scenarios in Colombia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Hernández
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 111221 Colombia
- Estudiante Doctoral, Doctorado Ciencias biomédicas y biológicas, Universidad el Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Camilo Salazar
- Biology Program, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera. 24 No. 63C-69, Bogotá, DC 111221 Colombia
| | - Helena Brochero
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Aníbal Teherán
- Grupo de Investigación COMPLEXUS, Fundación Universitaria Juan N. Corpas, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Mauricio Vera
- Ministerio de Salud y protección Social, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Hugo Soto
- Laboratorio de Salud Pública del Cesar, Valledupar, Colombia
| | | | - Sussane Ardila
- Grupo de Entomología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Gabriel Parra-Henao
- Centro de Investigación en Salud para el Trópico, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 111221 Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Erazo D, Cordovez J. Modeling the effects of palm-house proximity on the theoretical risk of Chagas disease transmission in a rural locality of the Orinoco basin, Colombia. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:592. [PMID: 27863520 PMCID: PMC5116207 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1884-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease is a major public health concern in Latin America and it is transmitted by insects of the subfamily Triatominae, including Rhodnius spp. Since palm trees are ubiquitous in Colombia and a habitat for Rhodnius spp., the presence of palms near villages could increase contact rates between vectors and humans. Therefore, knowing whether a relationship exists between the proximity of palms to villages and the abundance and distribution of vectors therein, may be critical for Chagas disease prevention programs. Adapting a mathematical model for R. prolixus population dynamics in a small village, we model the implications of changing distances between palms and dwellings, to the risk of Chagas disease infection. Methods We implemented a mathematical model that reflects R. prolixus population dynamics in a small village located in the department of Casanare (Colombia) to study the role of palm-house proximity. We varied the distance between palms and houses by monitoring the network global efficiency metric. We constructed 1,000 hypothetical villages varying distances and each one was run 100 times. Results According to the model, as palm-house proximity increases, houses were more likely to be visited by triatomine bugs. The number of bugs per unit time increased progressively in a non-linear fashion with high variability. We stress the importance of village configuration on the model output. Conclusions From a theoretical perspective, palm-house proximity may have a positive effect on the incidence of Chagas disease. The model predicts a 1% increase in new human cases per year when houses and palms are brought closer by 75%. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1884-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Erazo
- BIOMAC, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1 E No. 19A 40, Bogotá, 111711, Colombia
| | - Juan Cordovez
- BIOMAC, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1 E No. 19A 40, Bogotá, 111711, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Saldaña A, Calzada JE, Pineda V, Perea M, Rigg C, González K, Santamaria AM, Gottdenker NL, Chaves LF. Risk factors associated with Trypanosoma cruzi exposure in domestic dogs from a rural community in Panama. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2016; 110:936-44. [PMID: 26560985 PMCID: PMC4660624 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760150284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection, is a zoonosis of humans, wild and domestic mammals, including dogs. In Panama, the main T. cruzi vector is Rhodnius pallescens, a triatomine bug whose main natural habitat is the royal palm, Attalea butyracea. In this paper, we present results from three T. cruzi serological tests (immunochromatographic dipstick, indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA) performed in 51 dogs from 24 houses in Trinidad de Las Minas, western Panama. We found that nine dogs were seropositive (17.6% prevalence). Dogs were 1.6 times more likely to become T. cruzi seropositive with each year of age and 11.6 times if royal palms where present in the peridomiciliary area of the dog's household or its two nearest neighbours. Mouse-baited-adhesive traps were employed to evaluate 12 peridomestic royal palms. All palms were found infested with R. pallescens with an average of 25.50 triatomines captured per palm. Of 35 adult bugs analysed, 88.6% showed protozoa flagellates in their intestinal contents. In addition, dogs were five times more likely to be infected by the presence of an additional domestic animal species in the dog's peridomiciliary environment. Our results suggest that interventions focused on royal palms might reduce the exposure to T. cruzi infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azael Saldaña
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - José E Calzada
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Vanessa Pineda
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Milixa Perea
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Chystrie Rigg
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Kadir González
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Ana Maria Santamaria
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Nicole L Gottdenker
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Luis F Chaves
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|